Recent Progress in Polyolefin Plastic: Polyethylene and Polypropylene Transformation and Depolymerization Techniques.

This paper highlights the complexity and urgency of addressing plastic pollution, drawing attention to the environmental challenges posed by improperly discarded plastics. Petroleum-based plastic polymers, with their remarkable range of physical properties, have revolutionized industries worldwide. Their versatility-from flexible to rigid and hydrophilic to hydrophobic-has fueled an ever-growing demand.

Bioactive-based spray and spot-on formulations: Development, characterization and in vitro efficacy against fleas and ticks.

The flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus are ectoparasites of great importance in veterinary medicine that can affect pets, also impacting the lives of owners due to the possible transmission of zoonoses. Due to the negative impact on animals, owners and the environment, synthetic chemicals are being replaced by natural alternatives. Eugenol and carvacrol stand out as bioactive substances with potential antiparasitic activity.

TiO-Catalyzed Direct Diazenylation of Active Methylene Compounds with Diazonium Salts.

Herein, we report a direct diazenylation of active methylene compounds that is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and scalable, utilizing a heterogeneous TiO catalyst that is both accessible and recyclable. The scope of this transformation shows excellent compatibility with both electron-rich and electron-poor diazonium salts, yielding the desired products in very good yields at room temperature.

Cortical neuroprosthesis-mediated functional ipsilateral control of locomotion in rats with spinal cord hemisection.

Control of voluntary limb movement is predominantly attributed to the contralateral motor cortex. However, increasing evidence suggests the involvement of ipsilateral cortical networks in this process, especially in motor tasks requiring bilateral coordination, such as locomotion. In this study, we combined a unilateral thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) with a cortical neuroprosthetic approach to investigate the functional role of the ipsilateral motor cortex in rat movement through spared contralesional pathways.

Blood mercury concentrations in preschool children and potential risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil.

Environmental exposure of preschool children to mercury can elevate blood mercury levels (BML) and negatively affect their health. This study aimed to determine BML in preschool children from Brazil's largest city and explore potential associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected in 2013 from 2436 children (age 1-5 years) attending 50 daycare centers (DCC) located in São Paulo, Brazil.